Seattle's Green Lake closed due to toxic algae

Stay out of Green Lake until further notice. The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department has closed the lake because toxic algae was found in the water.

Keep pets out of the water. Avoid areas with scum on the surface if you plan on boating. Otherwise, officials say no swimming, or water skiing, in the lake.

If you catch fish out of Green Lake, thoroughly wash, gut, and clean the fish.

This is not the first time Green Lake has been closed because of toxic algae. It has often been closed over the years, and treated, most recently in August. In that instance, the lake reopened after a few weeks.

Green Lake was given its name because it historically had a green color, due to frequent algae blooms. It is believed that modifications to the lake to create the park in the early 1900s (which included lowering the water level and diverting its drainage) has further created conditions for algae.